Key Takeaways:
– Ford recalls 144,000 Mavericks due to issues with rear-view camera freezing.
– The issue affects the 2022-2024 model year trucks equipped with Connected Touch Radios.
– Owners will have to visit a dealership to receive the necessary update.
– This is not the first time Ford has had to recall the Maverick; previous issues included shifting into neutral unexpectedly.
Massive Ford Recall Affects Thousands of Maverick Pickups
Ford Motor Company has issued another significant recall, this time affecting 144,000 Maverick pickups. The problem lies with the rear-view cameras that might freeze while reversing. The issue could pose a significant safety-related risk to drivers and others on the road.
Diagnosing the Problem
After uncovering potential issues in June 2024, the automaker conducted stress tests on the affected vehicles’ systems. The tests found a memory leak in the software, which could result in the rearview camera image freezing. This glitch causes the image processing path to fail, creating a vision-related hazard.
The recall encompasses Mavericks ranging from the 2022-2024 model years. Notably, only the trucks equipped with Connected Touch Radios appear to be affected by this software error. The defective software was installed in trucks produced from February 3, 2021, to November 28, 2023.
Additional Vulnerabilities
Ford’s investigation also revealed four other vulnerabilities in the trucks’ software. These issues could result in the image either not appearing or being delayed, further complicating the reversing process for drivers.
So far, there have been four warranty claims, 22 complaints, and two reported accidents due to this software glitch. As a result, Ford has yet to receive any injury reports related to this issue.
Updating the Software
To rectify this problem, Ford is releasing a software update. However, customers will need to visit a Ford dealer to have the update installed, as it cannot be sent and installed over the air. The company will start notifying Maverick owners about the recall and the required dealer visit starting September 30.
Repeating History
This incident marks another recall in the Maverick’s history. Earlier this year, Ford had to recall a batch of Maverick trucks due to an unexpected shifting issue. Reportedly, the affected trucks could shift into neutral without any input from the driver, leading to safety concerns.
Conclusion
While it is commendable that Ford is taking proactive measures in addressing these issues, the frequency of such recalls raises questions about the quality control measures in place. As owners await the notification from Ford, they must remain vigilant while driving and reverse their trucks with caution, keeping a keen eye on their rearview mirrors.